Martin Nickprelaj – Age 17 – Scouted by Macclesfield Town

For Martin Nickprelaj, a talented player from New Rochelle, New York, the dream of playing football in the UK moved a step closer after a brilliant showing at a UK Football Trials event. Martin, 17, was one of a select group of players who travelled from the USA to England alongside their coach, Kamel Ayari — and it’s safe to say he made his opportunity count. 

After impressing at the trial, Martin was invited to train with Macclesfield Town, a historic English club that had just secured promotion to the National League. During his training session with the first team setup, Martin showcased his ability, focus and professionalism — and it didn’t go unnoticed. Macclesfield were so impressed they immediately invited him back for further training when he returns to the UK. 

Speaking about the experience, Martin said: 

“It was an amazing opportunity. To come from the U.S. and get the chance to train with a club like Macclesfield is something I’ll never forget. The level of intensity, the tempo — it pushes you to raise your game. I’m so grateful to UK Football Trials and Coach Kamel for making it possible.” 

Martin was part of a growing number of players brought over by Coach Kamel Ayari, a well-respected NYS-certified coach based in New York with a rich background in both elite sport and player development. Coach Kamel has become an official partner of UK Football Trials, helping to connect talented American players with opportunities in the UK — including placement into private football schools and professional club academies. 

UK Football Trials is proud to work alongside Coach Kamel, who brings both expertise and inspiration to the players he mentors. His own athletic journey is remarkable — a former professional wheelchair athlete, he competed in over 150 international races, won the New York City Marathon, and was awarded the Key to the City by Mayor Giuliani in 2000. After retiring from racing, he moved into football coaching and quickly found success, winning State Cups with two different teams and nurturing the talent of his own son, Hassan Ayari. 

Hassan’s path serves as a shining example of what’s possible — he came through the UK Football Trials system, went on to play for Sheffield United, the Tunisian U23 National Team, and later Toronto FC in Major League Soccer. 

Coach Kamel continues to develop players who have earned college scholarships in the U.S. and professional contracts around the world — and Martin Nickprelaj is now among them. His recent trial with Macclesfield Town proves that the right mix of talent, determination and opportunity can open doors. 

UK Football Trials is excited to continue working with Coach Kamel and his players from the U.S. as part of our international development partnerships. We look forward to welcoming more driven young athletes like Martin in the coming months. 

For Martin, the journey is just beginning — and with another opportunity at Macclesfield waiting for him, his dream of playing football at the professional level in England is very much alive.